What 1911 to buy $1000

I'm looking to buy a 1911 but am torn. I own lots of auto loaders but am looking at my long lusted after, but passed over 1911 to complete my collection. I was curious what some opinions were on THE $1000 1911. I'm torn between some Springfield models but always get the "well if you're going to spend 1k might as well buy a Kimber." And i love Kimber's too, so i wonder if i'm spending a grand or so and want a NICE 1911 which way should I go? I am open to other suggestions too. Just want to get a good shooting, pretty, piece of steel for my money.

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ttheel

October 3, 2009, 01:12 AM

When I was in the store purchasing my LCP a couple of weeks ago I laid my hands on a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry and an Ultra Carry in Stainless. I decided at that point that my next semi auto purchase is going to be a Kimber 1911. I believe I will go with one of the Pro Carry variations though to get the 4 inch barrel instead of the 3. From what I read there are less failure to feed issues in most all 1911's once you get to that 4 inch length. The gunshop owner is a friend of mine and he said they had very little trouble out of Kimbers and that as far as he was concerned they are the best of the best.

Craig M. Arnold

October 3, 2009, 01:28 AM

If the 1911 is for the range, I'd recommend a Dan Wesson Pointman Seven or Heritage. If it is for carry, I'd recommend a Dan Wesson CBOB.

IMHO, at this time, Dan Wesson is building the best 1911s for the money.

Dan Wesson is the only gun maker you should be looking at,no one even comes close to them at $1000.
After that it would take $2000 to buy a better gun.

Kingofthehill

October 3, 2009, 02:32 AM

Dan Wesson's lineup, STI, Springfield Loaded....

For me, in that order... unless you can find a slightly older kimber... otherwise no thanks

JOe

weisse52

October 3, 2009, 03:09 AM

Colt!

Take your pick, several models can be purchased for a under $1000

After that, STI, DW, maybe a TRP. I would be done at that point.

03Shadowbob

October 3, 2009, 06:32 AM

Kimber Pro Carry and be done with it.

9teenEleven

October 3, 2009, 09:43 AM

When I had $1000 to spend on my 1911, I bought a kimber stainless ii with night sights. I upgraded the grips to rosewood, and added the kimber arched mainspring housing with magwell. All told I was into $1075. Best gun I own by a long shot.

benderx4

October 3, 2009, 09:44 AM

Dan Wesson PM7 - best all around 1911 on the market without spending double that for a semi-custom

gyvel

October 3, 2009, 09:50 AM

If you're going to spend $1000.00, buy a nice, pristine pre-Series 70 Colt. End of story.:D

atomd

October 3, 2009, 10:23 AM

If it's for carry, Bud's Gun Shop has CBOBs in stock right now for $999.

JTQ

October 3, 2009, 12:37 PM

If you want a 1911, I recommend Colt. In every category there is a definitive manufacturer, and for 1911's it is Colt. If you are truly a 1911 fan, you either have a Colt or are planning to get one.

If you were looking for a sports sedan, I recommend a BMW. If you wanted a cruiser motorcycle, I'd recommend a Harley-Davidson. If you wanted a cigarette lighter, I'd recommend a Zippo.

Sure, Lexus is a great sports sedan, but if you are truly a "sports sedan person" you'd still want that BMW because it defines the breed. Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki make some great cruisers, but they are still not a Harley. Bic makes a great cigarette lighter, but if it's about the lighter, and not just about making a flame, Zippo is what you want.

The same holds true for a 1911. If you want a 1911, get a Colt.

Also, get a 5" pistol. If you have problems with the short gun, you will always wonder if it's because it is a 1911 or because it is a short version. The 5" 1911 is the classic. After you have your 5" Colt 1911, and know what a 1911 is supposed to be, then you can try the other flavors.

Quack

October 3, 2009, 02:03 PM

in no particular order i'd say Dan Wesson, STI, Springfield.

things to consider:
do you want a 1911 with a firing pin block (80 series, Swartz safety, etc.)?
MIM or no MIM?
Government, Commander or Officer size?
internal or external extractor?
adjustable, fixed or night sights?
double or single stack?
caliber?
stainless, blue, parkarized, baked on finish?
rail or no rail?
customer service/warranty?

wilkersk

October 4, 2009, 01:42 PM

Go to the most reputable gun shopt you know, look in the case and pick out one of the slightly used guns that retailed for more than $1,000 new. Pick the one you like best.

Or even better, there are so many people out there with nice 1911s that need cash, they'll happily sell one to you for much less than what a new one costs.

HexHead

October 4, 2009, 03:10 PM

Colt.

woad_yurt

October 4, 2009, 03:32 PM

Do you have a plain ol' military piece? I'm no .45 semi-auto expert (don't own any) but I'd like to have at least one as-it-was piece.

Here's a decent looking Remington Rand (to my inexperienced eyes, anyway) presently at $575 with a Buy-It-Now price of $1225. Just a suggestion....

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141737658

don95sml

October 4, 2009, 09:00 PM

Kingofthehill wrote:
Dan Wesson's lineup, STI, Springfield Loaded....
Many competitive shooters will vouch for STI guns as the best out there. Take a look at www.brazoscustom.com/ .

smartshooter.45

October 5, 2009, 10:19 AM

The Dan Wesson Classic CBob in .45 ACP. has been a total joy since day 1.

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr294/gcobbs420/1911/DSC00479.jpg

eatont9999

October 5, 2009, 01:28 PM

I like the fit and finish of Dan Wessons. I don't own one, but if I had your money and was looking for a nice 1911, I would be looking at DWs first. If you are looking for a target gun, a longslide may be an option. I have always liked the kick-ass look of the longslides.

wally

October 5, 2009, 01:36 PM

Are you buying to look at it? Shoot it? or Resell?

If reselling, Colt is the way to go as they have a cult following that keeps the prices up.

To look at, Kimber has all the "pretty" guns you could ever want.

But if you are buying to shoot it, I'd say get the RIA "Tactical" for under $500 and spend the rest on ammo and/or reloading supplies so you can have some real fun with it! If you want to spend a little more and get basically the same gun with a "brand name" on it, look for the STI "Spartan".

--wally.

Quack

October 5, 2009, 01:40 PM

I have always liked the kick-ass look of the longslides.

a little bit ouf of his budget, but i got this LNIB beauty for $1400. :D

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/Quackzilla/Guns/DSC_8422.jpg

Guillermo

October 5, 2009, 02:14 PM

I too agree say dan wesson, sti, springfield

03Shadowbob

October 5, 2009, 04:23 PM

smartshooter,
I may have to go look at one of those Cbob Dan Wessons. Your's is beautiful.

LancerMW

October 5, 2009, 05:18 PM

STI Trojan, Springfield MC Operator something like that, no real exp with Dan Wesson, but they are made by CZ and CZ is quality

samurai

October 5, 2009, 08:06 PM

Dan Wesson CBOB

skoro

October 6, 2009, 09:55 AM

If it were me looking at a $1000 1911, I'd more than likely go with a Colt Series 70 in blue/walnut. Two of my three 1911s are Colts and I'm very pleased with them in all respects. I've lusted after others (Kimber, etc) but the Colts have that certain "something".